Name/TitleTray-Stereoscope ‘Le Taxiphote No. 1bis’
About this objectA bakelite tray containing 25 glass slides can be inserted by flipping down the front of the viewer. Then, by depressing the lever on the right side of the housing, one slide after another can be examined. On the left side of the viewer, there is a counter which indicates the number of the slide and allows navigation to a specific slide.
The base of the viewer contains two drawers holding four trays each, making it possible to store a total of 200 slides.
In-depth information on the Taxiphote can be found here: Le Taxiphote — the most famous French stereo viewer
Place MadeFrance
MakerRichard, Jules
Maker RoleManufacturer
Date Madec. 1920
Series TitleTaxiphote
TechniqueMulti-view, tray-based
TechniqueFocus, lens tubes
Period1893–1939
Subject and Association DescriptionShortly after the success of the ‘Vérascope’ stereoscopic camera, Jules Richard and his engineer Louis Colardeau patented the first model as ‘Stéréo-Classeur’ in 1899 and started production in the same year. It was renamed as ‘Le Taxiphote’ in 1900. The 6x13cm ‘Le Taxiphote No. 1bis’ was first mentioned in 1903 and was still available in the final years around 1940. The metal eyepieces were introduced in 1911 and the viewer illustrated is most likely produced in the early 1920’s according to its serial number.
All models were available in two standard versions, one in waxed walnut and one in polished mahogany. There were also deluxe versions with changing designs such as inlaid patterns of different woods or additional ornaments.
Format6x13cm
Object TypeStereoscope
Subject and Association KeywordsFR 3503 (L. Colardeau, J. Richard, 1899)
Subject and Association KeywordsFR 438123 (J. Richard, 1911/12)
Medium and MaterialsGlass Slides
Object numberM‑ST075
Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved
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